Ernest Gilbert Campbell

Ernest Gilbert Campbell, 93, of Statesville, passed away Monday, February 23, 2015 at Iredell Memorial Hospital.  He was born in Iredell County on October 11, 1921 to the late Ernest Eugene and Onie Olivia Albea Campbell. Mr. Campbell was educated in the Iredell County Schools and served his country honorably in the Army during WWII.  He served with the Thunderbirds of the 45th Infantry division and was stationed in Greenland, France, and Germany.  He was awarded the American Theater Campaign Medal, EAMET Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars and the Good Conduct Medal.  On December 18, 1947, he married Stella Mae Wiles, who survives.  The shared over 67 years of marriage before his passing.  He worked for Stimpson Hosiery Mills and was retired from International Paper Co. where he worked in the maintenance department.  He was a member of Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church.  He loved the Lord and his family.  In past several years when health permitted, he enjoyed being with his McDonald’s buddies who met in the morning at the Signal Hill McDonalds. Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by a son, Kenny Wiles Campbell; four brothers, Wilfred, Woodrow, Dwight, and Robert (Sam); and a sister, Ophelia C. Gaither. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Stella; daughter, Olivia “Libby” C. Welborn (Eddie) of Statesville; five granddaughters, Lesley W. Ketchie (Richard) of Wilson, NC, Heather W. Thomas (Brian) of Statesville, Lisa Welborn of Statesville, Kimberly Campbell Hutton of Dupont, WA., and Lori Campbell Hamilton (Tom) of Castle Hayne, NC; eight great grandchildren; two sisters, Carolyn C. Campbell (John Ray) of Harmony and Peggy C. Carter of Winston-Salem; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 PM Friday, February 27, 2015 at Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church with Rev. Ron Daub officiating.  Burial will follow in the Iredell Memorial Gardens Cemetery.  The family will visit with friends at the church prior to the service from 1:00 until 2:00 PM. Memorials may be made to Christ Boulevard UMC, 1947 East Broad St., Statesville, NC 28677.  Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.